Collective Inteligence

 

I am using the phrase 'collective inteligence' to define that which causes 'swarm behaviour. That behaviour which can be identified in insects, birds, fish and mamals. There are so many examples in nature. One of the most stuning experiences in nature, in my oppinion, is an exaltation of Starlings performing a murmuration when 10's of Thousands of Starlings perform a mezmerizing airobatic display with startling presision and beuty. There are explanations as to why they might do this but such a display is not so easily explained. It is not my purpose here to examine each and every instance of swarm behaviour, but each has its own surprizingly intricate aspects which are well worth exploring. My premise is that such behaviours are symtomatic of a similar cause. One that is not guided by a single inteligence such as a queen bea or queen ant. That is not their function in the hive.
The phrase 'collective inteligence' is not meant to be an explanation for all such behaviours but as an entity not yet properly identified. An identity for that which we do not yet understand.